PESAI Welcomes the Applied Research Technician Brett Sigurdson on Staff. Brett grew up on a grain/hay export farm in Gimli, Manitoba. After graduating from high school, he traveled to Australia to assist with the harvest season. Working on a large grain/livestock operation, he gained valuable knowledge on alternative farming practices. After receiving an Agribusiness diploma from the University of Manitoba, he co-managed the family’s 3800-acre farm until they sold in 2019. In 2014, Brett started a leafcutter bee/ alfalfa seed operation with 40 million bees and 700 acres at its peak. Brett has thorough knowledge in farming operations and practical agronomy for Manitoba conditions. He is passionate about continuously improving farming practices through applied research. Brett is a long-standing member in the local farming community and will be an asset to the Diversification centre operations.